The main gate: what I was dreaming of when I woke up at 3:00am.
Ah, Disney! They are so efficient at separating people from cash, it's amazing. And you don't even regret it. You're happy about it. This trip is my first trip with my annual pass. I had bought a platinum pass in the before-time, but never got a chance to activate it. They've changed the structure, so it's now an Incredipass. Fine, but before I wax rhapsodic about the Disney experience, I need to tell you about the flight. It was Premium Rouge, so I started at the Maple Leaf Lounge. They don't serve alcohol early, so I had a latte. Food was on offer, but I knew I'd be given breakfast on the flight, and the choices of sweet or meat didn't really appeal.
Hot breakfast is served to your table
Air Canada has seldom disappointed me, and today wasn't going to be one of those days. Boarding was swift for those at the front of the plane, and I settled in easily. Bottled water and mask kits were at each seat when we arrived. The seats were standard business class short haul, with trays in the armrests, and a reassuring amount of personal space. IPads were distributed shortly after boarding, and I happily found The Lost City, a movie I'd been wanting to see, available. It's laugh out loud funny, so you might want to watch it at home, instead of annoying people around you like I did. 😞
Decent legroom and a footrest
Shortly after takeoff, service began. We were offered a choice between parsley omelettes and pancakes. Both came with sausage, so the vegetarian choice is "don't eat the sausage". I guess they figure you'll do an advance dietary request if that will offend you. I did try that option once, since I usually follow a pescatarian diet although I will make exceptions occasionally, and got the most appalling vegan dish which was obviously made by someone who believes vegans should suffer. I never want that experience again, so now I just take my chances. Rouge finally has sparkling wine, which really makes me happy. The service was efficient and friendly, and my glass was kept topped up.
The choice was omelette or pancakes
Sparkling wine to start the trip off right
Orlando is one of the better airports to fly into/out of, I think. The baggage doesn't take too long to drop, and signs telling you where to go are plentiful. It has excellent amenities for travellers, including a Priority Pass lounge in the terminal Air Canada uses. Once I had collected my suitcase, I wandered through the transportation floor, and figured since I had lots of time, I would use the Mears shuttle. Disney's Magical Express is no more, but Mears is utilising the same area it was when it was providing this service. It was $16US, plus driver tip, which is not bad at all. I think my resort was the second we visited. It only took ab out half an hour, and then I was in the lobby. To my chagrin, I took no pictures of said lobby.
On board the Mears bus
I had stayed at Port Orleans Riverside Alligator Bayou in the long ago before-time, when I still travelled with husband and son. Back then, it had a
Song of the South theme. I much prefer the new
Princess and Frog theming: it's lovely. One thing that hasn't changed is that the rooms are quite, quite dark. I had a corner room, and even with the two windows, not a lot of natural light got in.
The double beds were comfy (at least the one I slept in)
Double sink vanity in a curtained off area
The room is very well designed for people travelling with children, or relative strangers. The vanity area is outside of the bathroom proper, and there is a curtain so you can close it off to get changed while those in the main room go about their business. There is a coffee maker, and ample coffee is available, since Disney moderates don't have daily housekeeping reinstated yet. The shower is fairly spacious, and as an environmental measure, now bath toiletries are in wall mounted dispensers, instead of the small plastic take home variety. They have been upgraded to the same H2O Sea Marine you get in deluxes. I love the way the stuff smells, and enjoy using it, even though it is not best for my hair type.
Pretty new shower curtain
No more travel size, but now you get the good stuff
I didn't spend a lot of time eating at the resort, but I did have dinner one night at the lounge, and another at Boatwrights. The service was excellent at both venues. At the lounge I had some delicious cheese fritters served with pepper jelly, and a Magical Beacon drink. At night, the lounge is lively, with entertainment. It got quite crowded, and the piano player sounded a lot of fun.
River Roost snack menu
River Roost speciality cocktails
River Roost lounge next to Boatwrights
Magical Beacon Cocktail
At Boatwrights, I had the shrimp and grits and just picked around the sausage. It was delicious and accompanied with fresh cornbread and honey butter.
Shrimp and grits
The Ol' Man Island pool is bayou themed, and nicely heated. There is a pool bar nearby, and a good hot tub. Towels are provided poolside.
A quiet nook near the pool and hot tub
No shortage of lounge chairs
The grounds are lovely, and well-themed. The walk between my room and the resort amenities was always lovely. And some times it seemed that I was the only person in the whole resort.
It's called Riverside for a reason
It's lovely walking by the river
Pretty little bird hiding in the bushes
The landscaping really is lovely
Lots of signs telling you where to go
It's wonderful being able to see when your bus is coming
Next - Part II Theme Park Changes
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